Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates.

Physicians and surgeons held about 708,300 jobs in 2014. Many physicians work in private offices or clinics, often with administrative and healthcare personnel.

Physicians and surgeons have demanding education and training requirements. Almost all physicians complete at least 4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and, depending on their specialty, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs.

Wages for physicians and surgeons are among the highest of all occupations. The Pay tab has compensation data from the Medical Group Management Association's Physician Compensation and Production Survey.

Employment of physicians and surgeons is projected to grow 14 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth is projected due to increased demand for healthcare services by the growing and aging population.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for physicians and surgeons.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of physicians and surgeons with similar occupations.

Learn more about physicians and surgeons by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.